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Home » Publications » Assessing the Role of Microorganisms in the Accelerated Corrosion of Port Transportation Infrastructure in the Duluth-Superior Harbor.

Assessing the Role of Microorganisms in the Accelerated Corrosion of Port Transportation Infrastructure in the Duluth-Superior Harbor.

Author:

Hicks, Randall E.

The economies of coastal communities around the Great Lakes have historically been dependent upon maritime transportation. Yet, Lake Superior harbors and the maritime industry are facing a serious problem: accelerated corrosive loss of port infrastructure. Steel sheet- and H-pilings used for docks, bridges, and bulkheads have been reported to be corroding at an accelerated rate in the Duluth-Superior harbor. The increased rate of corrosion appears to have begun in the late 1970s, and will require expensive replacement of port facilities if the cause and possible remedies cannot be identified. This article highlights the extent of corrosion of port transportation infrastructure in the Duluth-Superior harbor and describes the methodology and findings from the author's initial studies of the possible role of microorganisms in this corrosion. The goal was to determine if differences in microbial communities between two corroding structures and a less-affected site indicated the participation of bacteria in this accelerated corrosion process. Ultimately, understanding the cause of this accelerated corrosion should be helpful in guiding and testing mitigation practices, which could lead to improved control and remediation efforts.

Journal:

CURA Reporter

Publication date:

2009

Publisher:

Minneapolis: Center for Urban and Regional Affairs, University of Minnesota.

Sponsor:

Supported in part by a grant from the Faculty Interactive Research Program (FIRP) at the Center for Urban and Regional Affairs (CURA), University of Minnesota. Additional funding provided by the Duluth Seaway Port Authority, the Great Lakes Maritime Research Institute, the Minnesota Sea Grant Program, and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.